In one of his more famous quotes Mahatma Gandhi states: “The greatness of a nation is judged by the way it treats its animals.” The logic behind this statement, of course, is that the way we treat animals – which usually cannot return a favor or take revenge on us – is inherently a test of our morality. Apart from morality, Judaism also regulates our relationship with animals. In fact, the Jewish relationship with animals is clear and unambiguous: man is their master. According to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, man can use animals for his work, as it was customary to place loads onto donkeys and mules, to plow with oxen, to ride horses, camels and donkeys, and even to eat their flesh. Not only that, it is also a commandment to offer animal and bird sacrifices, including the scapegoat and the “beheaded cow.” Our sages said that animals were created to serve man (Kiddushin 82a; Sanhedrin 108a), including eating their flesh. One can say that just as animals are permitted to eat plants, so man is permitted to eat animals....
Become a Member
-
Read all member content
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.
-
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel
Connect with Israel, right from your home.
-
Lift up the voice of truth and hope
Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.
Already a member? Login here.
